Drug Driving Lawyer
Cairns & Far North Queensland
You were pulled over and tested positive for a drug in your system. You may not have felt impaired. You may have used the substance days ago. It does not matter — Queensland operates a zero-tolerance system for drug driving, and any detectable level is enough to charge you. What happens between now and your court date determines the length of your licence disqualification, the size of the fine, and whether a conviction goes on your record. For first offenders, a conviction-free outcome is a realistic possibility — but it requires proper preparation.
Zero Tolerance — No Safe Level
Queensland's drug driving laws operate on a zero-tolerance basis. There is no permitted level. Any detectable presence of a relevant drug in your blood or saliva is enough to charge you — the police do not need to prove you were impaired, and it does not matter whether you felt affected at the time. Roadside saliva testing detects four drug categories: methylamphetamine (including ice and speed),…
The Two Drug Driving Offences — The Distinction Matters
There are two separate drug driving offences under the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 (Qld), and the difference between them is significant — it determines your penalty range, your work licence eligibility, and whether your licence is suspended immediately. Driving with a relevant drug present — s 79(2AA) This is the more common charge. It is a strict liability offence —…
Can I Keep Driving? Work Licences for Drug Driving
A work licence is a restricted driving authority granted by the Magistrates Court under the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 (Qld). It allows you to drive for work purposes during your disqualification period. It does not restore your full licence — it authorises driving to and from work, and during work, while the disqualification is in effect. You may be eligible if: You are…
Drug Driving vs Drink Driving — Key Differences
Drug driving and drink driving are charged under the same Act but the practical consequences differ in several important ways: No interlock program for drug driving. The alcohol ignition interlock program does not apply to drug-only convictions. After your disqualification period, you apply to have your licence restored — there is no mandatory interlock device. No graduated levels. Drink driving…